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24/7 Real Sports TalkTue, 28 Jul 2015 02:53:39 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2Shanahan’s Benching Of McNabb With No Class Is Personal Foulhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/12/19/shanahans-benching-of-mcnabb-with-no-class-is-personal-foul/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/12/19/shanahans-benching-of-mcnabb-with-no-class-is-personal-foul/#commentsSun, 19 Dec 2010 16:28:13 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=34352By MARK F. GRAY On the merits of it being strictly a football decision you can understand the thought process of starting Rex Grossman ahead of Donovan McNabb in Sunday’s meaningless game at Dallas. It does reflect the due diligence that was lacking when the Shanahan regime took the helm of running the burgundy and [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

On the merits of it being strictly a football decision you can understand the thought process of starting Rex Grossman ahead of Donovan McNabb in Sunday’s meaningless game at Dallas. It does reflect the due diligence that was lacking when the Shanahan regime took the helm of running the burgundy and gold franchise and didn’t properly address a dearth of talent at key positions throughout the roster. They need to use the final three weeks of the season to evaluate where the focus of the rebuilding process has to begin.

However, team Shanahan stepped out of bounds in the crass disrespectful manner which they have handled the McNabb era in Washington. While this has not been a season to remember for McNabb, you don’t leave a six time pro bowl NFC Champion quarterback twisting in the wind and then humiliate him publicly for the second time this year. This is something that should have been addressed with class. Obviously, class is something both Mike and Kyle Shanahan did not bring to Washington.

McNabb has missed receivers and has been wildly inconsistent all season. Kyle has been stabbing McNabb in the back to his father who probably has been doing the same to owner Dan Snyder since the bye week. But McNabb hasn’t been out coached in the second half of the last two home games by Leslie Frazier and Raheem Morris respectively. To make a move of this magnitude is purely personal and totally unprofessional. This is a case where the father wants to protect the reputation of his underachieving son/offensive coordinator at the expense of the credibility of a quarterback who has been facing an uphill battle all season.

Team Shanny has yet to take any responsibility for their role in coaching down a season that once had promise. When McNabb was benched against Detroit they cited his didn’t understand the terminology of the two minute offense and that “he lacked the cardiovascular conditioning“ to finish the game. Grossman understood it so well he immediately fumbled and the Lions recovered. Rex was also so fit that he was nowhere to be found as Ndamukong Suh was sealing the game with his touchdown run.

If Shanahan really had addressed McNabb and told him once they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs he would start Grossman for the rest of the season why create the drama of having the lingering question hovering over Dallas week. All that’s left to play for is to sweep the Cowboys but another Shanny distraction is set to derail that chance.

Doesn’t he get how important that is to people around here? If he makes the announcement Wednesday and it’s a dead story by the weekend. However, in a year of distractions that have been instigated by Shanahan this is just par for the course. Where is taking the high road with these people?

Though revered in Denver Shanahan has not built enough honest equity with this fan base. His behavior is both derisive and polarizing. The Haynesworth fiasco could have been handled better and not so public. His decision to trade inside the division has cost them two more draft picks as well.

This unfortunate and unnecessary episode is sure to divide the team, the fan base, and the city. The owner should know better than that

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/12/19/shanahans-benching-of-mcnabb-with-no-class-is-personal-foul/feed/0Another Blown Chance vs. NFC North Bottom Feeding Vikingshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/29/another-blown-chance-vs-nfc-north-bottom-feeding-vikings/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/29/another-blown-chance-vs-nfc-north-bottom-feeding-vikings/#commentsMon, 29 Nov 2010 15:37:23 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=31370By MARK F. GRAY Ultimately what may be the downfall for this year’s road to the NFL Playoffs will be the Washington Redskins inability to beat the bottom feeders of the NFC North. After laying an egg in Detroit it cracked at FedEx Field Sunday as they blew opportunities and slipped again at home to [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

Ultimately what may be the downfall for this year’s road to the NFL Playoffs will be the Washington Redskins inability to beat the bottom feeders of the NFC North. After laying an egg in Detroit it cracked at FedEx Field Sunday as they blew opportunities and slipped again at home to an inferior opponent falling to the Minnesota Vikings 17-13 which all but derailed their post season hopes.

The sad fact is that there is enough blame to go around. Despite the Herculean effort the Redskins once again were their own worst enemy. On a day where they seemed to cure what ailed them on third down conversions, self induced mistakes thwarted their efforts against a team with an interim head coach that they had the chance to bury early. Washington was seven of 15 on third down conversion opportunities, a category they ranked dead last in coming into the weekend. However, they only mustered 216 yards total offense.

Not having Clinton Portis for the rest of the season will be a loss that can’t be understated. The Redskins had no balance offensively and rushed for only 29 yards the entire game. Despite the dreadfully inconsistent offensive line, when Portis made his final brief appearance last week in Tennessee he hit the holes that were available quicker than all the other backs and was able to get around the corner on sweeps and on cutbacks. No matter who lined up in the backfield with Donovan McNabb they appeared to be running with cement shoes on.

For McNabb it must be a case his career going back to the future. As was the case in Philadelphia there is no balance with the Redskins offense because the supporting cast isn’t stepping up around him. McNabb’s lone interception was a deflection that went through Santana Moss’ hands and ricocheted off his helmet and set up what amounted to be the Vikings game winning score. Combine that with the ineptitude running the football they were doomed after the stellar opening drive.

One of the staples of the coaches who fall from the Bill Walsh tree is the script of their first 15-20 plays and then they make the adjustments based on what the defense is giving them. The script worked to perfection as the Redskins marched down the field on their opening drive which culminated in McNabb’s touchdown pass to Fred Davis. However, once Team Shanahan needed to break from their script the Vikings kept them under wraps with timely blitz packages and carefully disguised coverages that Washington was unable to decipher on the field, sideline, or from the booth.

Still despite all of that Brandon Banks appeared to have bailed them out with a 77 yard punt return for a touchdown. However, fellow rookie Perry Riley rendered that play meaningless with an illegal block in the back that took those points off the board which ultimately dropped them to 5-6 and off the NFC’s post season grid’s first page.

Mistakes and missed opportunities continue to define this season for the Redskins and the greatest frustration is understanding what may have been. The loss to the Vikings is another of those games slipped through their finger tips like McNabb’s delivery to Moss.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/29/another-blown-chance-vs-nfc-north-bottom-feeding-vikings/feed/0Redskins Answer Character Questions In Win At Titanshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/22/redskins-answer-character-questions-in-win-at-titans/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/22/redskins-answer-character-questions-in-win-at-titans/#commentsMon, 22 Nov 2010 14:51:40 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=30117By MARK F. GRAY If nothing else Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan proved that, despite some personnel and public relations miscues, he has changed the culture of the franchise with the victory at Tennessee. Where Joe Gibbs – the next generation – talked of heroic efforts after his team lost and Jim Zorn was professionally [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

If nothing else Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan proved that, despite some personnel and public relations miscues, he has changed the culture of the franchise with the victory at Tennessee. Where Joe Gibbs – the next generation – talked of heroic efforts after his team lost and Jim Zorn was professionally neutered by upper management costing him the respect of the team, Shanahan proved Sunday that he can still hold a team together.

After last Monday’s embarrassing performance against the Eagles the Redskins could have easily gone into Nashville flat and uninspired. Following 10 game ending injuries affecting nearly every position they still fought. With chances at the end of the first half and regulation to kick field goals that would have won the game they grinded on. In fact the Tennessee Titans did as much to give the game to them with penalties and weakened by those injuries the Redskins couldn’t take advantage of them.

Ultimately, however, the Redskins won a game that in the recent past would have been a dagger into the hopes for the rest of the season. It had the makings of the kind of game that would have sent them spiraling downward with players making plans for the off season. Instead their 19-16 win and 5-5 record means more than just they are firmly back into playoff contention. They have bought into Team Shanahan and that was evident by the character and resilience they showed by playing with a makeshift lineup for the last 20 minutes of the game.

Shanahan took Titans coach Jeff Fisher to school rendering his defense clueless how to contain the deep passing game. Santana Moss ran through the Tennessee secondary so often it was hard to tell whether he was playing receiver or safety. The addition of the tight end screen packages which took advantage of the aggressive Titans blitz was a stroke of genius. Using the short passing game on first and second down to offset the injuries to their running backs and pick up yardage to set up manageable third downs was masterful. Jim Haslett’s defense, which led to the historic nightmare against Philadelphia, contained the league’s best running back Chris Johnson which forced Tennessee to be patient and they couldn’t score an offensive touchdown.

If Donovan McNabb had been more accurate the game probably doesn’t go into overtime. The first time Moss got deep McNabb overthrew him. There were times where he delivered passes to open receivers that were either high or behind them. McNabb, playing behind that makeshift offensive line, has been in an accuracy slump for the last month but he has extended enough plays to bail them out in the face of jail breaks against their protection. He has to get better if they hope to make the playoffs but he twice led two minute drives where they should have scored if Graham Gano converts the field goals at the end of first half or regulation.

The question of whether the Redskins have enough to make the playoffs will be answered over the next six weeks. But the questions of whether the culture of burgundy and gold has changed were answered with a resounding yes in Nashville.

-

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/22/redskins-answer-character-questions-in-win-at-titans/feed/0Redskins Have No Answers In Monday Night Massacre vs. Eagleshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/16/redskins-have-no-answers-in-monday-night-massacre-vs-eagles/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/16/redskins-have-no-answers-in-monday-night-massacre-vs-eagles/#commentsTue, 16 Nov 2010 06:34:17 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=28750By Mark F. Gray Mike Shanahan was 10-4 following the bye week as an NFL head coach but game number 15 was a nightmare. With enough blame to go around Shanahan’s team lacked focus and was unprepared for a game that gave them an opportunity to remain a factor in the NFC post season hunt. [...]]]>

By Mark F. Gray

Mike Shanahan was 10-4 following the bye week as an NFL head coach but game number 15 was a nightmare. With enough blame to go around Shanahan’s team lacked focus and was unprepared for a game that gave them an opportunity to remain a factor in the NFC post season hunt. Now Shanahan was has to rebuild his ego and the morale of his team before there is an implosion or mutiny for the last half of the season.

This was a complete failure in every aspect of the game and blame starts with the coach. After creating an unnecessary controversy that lingered through their respite Shanahan’s team was out coached and overmatched by a team they had beaten earlier this year. It was clear they were distracted and were not prepared which to this point had not been an issue for a franchise that had been dealing with games like this for the last decade.

On a night where the Washington Redskins made a $78 million investment in their quarterback his protégé stole the show as the Philadelphia Eagles humiliated them on national television at FedEx Field. Michael Vick abused the Redskins defense from the first play on and Donovan McNabb couldn’t find answers against an Eagles defense that beat him down. The Redskins compounded that by not being able to run the ball and couldn’t stop Eagles from rushing on them as well.

While coaches don’t block, tackle, or cover they do set a tone for the team. Shanahan set the tone for this loss with his handling of McNabb during the week off. His rationale for benching McNabb in Detroit and arrogance in defending his position led to players having to answer questions about their leader which cost them their focus. The Redskins played with neither passion nor focus and the result was a loss of historic proportion.

From the outset it was clear that Andy Reid’s game plan was to be the aggressor offensively and defensively that Washington was unprepared for. Once Michael Vick connected with DeSean Jackson for an 88 yard touchdown on the game’s opening play it was clear the Redskins had no clue for anything the Eagles would throw at them all night.

They set franchise records for most points allowed in the first half and gave up 592 yards total offense for the game. The 28 points allowed in the first quarter was the most in NFL history. Philadelphia’s 59 points was the most the team had given up since 1954 and the most ever on Monday Night Football. Their struggles on offense hit rock bottom with an 0 for 10 performance on third down. They were punked so bad all that was missing were the MTV cameras and Ashton Kutcher coming out of the tunnel at halftime.

However, if there is one silver lining from a dreary performance on a cold, damp, soggy evening at least this is the final time the Redskins played on national TV in 2010.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/16/redskins-have-no-answers-in-monday-night-massacre-vs-eagles/feed/1Team Shanahan Needs Win More Than Team vs. Eagleshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/15/team-shanahan-needs-win-more-than-team-vs-eagles/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/15/team-shanahan-needs-win-more-than-team-vs-eagles/#commentsMon, 15 Nov 2010 06:36:13 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=28542By MARK F. GRAY Since Team Shanahan benched then lied on Donovan McNabb they should have learned a valuable lesson. Though you guys were placed on a pedestal after a couple of Super Bowl wins in Denver, the Nation’s Capitol is a far more discerning place. This is a town whose press corps has [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

Since Team Shanahan benched then lied on Donovan McNabb they should have learned a valuable lesson. Though you guys were placed on a pedestal after a couple of Super Bowl wins in Denver, the Nation’s Capitol is a far more discerning place. This is a town whose press corps has taken down presidents, mayors, and even held the greatness that is Joe Gibbs accountable when he returned for a remix that was nowhere near as good as the original.

Mike and Kyle Shanahan haven’t built up enough equity to insult the intelligence of a diverse sophisticated fan base. Just because the players have been reluctant to speak out against the new regime they see what’s happening too. First Haynesworth then Devin Thomas now McNabb. The public embarrassment and ridicule of the Redskins best offensive and defensive players is not lost on a locker room that has bought into the culture of change that has them in playoff contention right now.

If Mike Shanahan wants to publicly demand accountability from his players the time has come to publicly hold him accountable for bringing more drama to the District than the impasse between Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill. Since the start of training camp he has drawn battle lines with players, created the illusion of the dog house, and alienated members of the media with a belligerence born from previous success.

Who is Kyle Shanahan and what has he done to earn the power to disrespect a future hall of fame quarterback? His dad has been given absolute power and its clear blood is thicker than what is best for the Redskins chance of making the playoffs this season. Young Kyle is a child of NFL privilege who has risen to offense coordinator because his dad groomed him on his staff in Denver. When Gary Kubiak got his job as head coach of the Texans and Mike was fired by the Broncos he hired Kyle as offensive coordinator. He hasn’t paid dues and doesn’t know about overcoming adversity because of his famous last name nor has he built an offense to make the playoffs either.

The decision to bench Donovan McNabb by questioning his competence in running the two minute offense was Pop Warneresque. It was once of those times where the coach sided with his kid even though it didn’t work out for the team. They compounded things by questioning McNabb’s endurance but there has been no introspection when looking at their game planning and play calling. Not only was that an insult to McNabb but to the fan base as well.

That Mike would side with Kyle on the field speaks volumes to just how gangster Team Shanahan is operating. There is no parent that doesn’t want the best for their child and would love to set them up to do well. Kyle needs this offense to work so he is hailed as the next genius and that he’ll be named “coach in waiting” in D.C. or on the short list of candidates for any of the jobs that may be open during the off season. He’ll never get that chance by stabbing a hall of fame caliber quarterback in the back.

All this means that Monday night versus the Eagles is another must win for Team Shanahan to vindicate their philosophy. The defense has become more effective now that Jim Haslett has played to the strength of his personnel by employing more 4-3 packages to create more of a pass rush. Team Shanahan has to play better to the strength of their offensive personnel as opposed to demanding perfection despite its flaws.

A loss could cost them whatever goodwill equity that was built with the fans and begin the same faltering finishes that marked the end of their recent seasons for The Shannys in Denver and Houston.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/11/15/team-shanahan-needs-win-more-than-team-vs-eagles/feed/0Redskins Loss In Detroit Sets Up Controversial Bye Weekhttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/31/redskins-loss-in-detroit-sets-up-controversial-bye-week/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/31/redskins-loss-in-detroit-sets-up-controversial-bye-week/#commentsSun, 31 Oct 2010 23:04:34 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=25481By MARK F. GRAY For the first time this season the Washington Redskins went back to the future. Halloween proved to be a nightmare for a team that appeared ready to firmly establish themselves as a playoff team that may look back on this game as the one where the post season vanished in ghostly [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

For the first time this season the Washington Redskins went back to the future. Halloween proved to be a nightmare for a team that appeared ready to firmly establish themselves as a playoff team that may look back on this game as the one where the post season vanished in ghostly fashion with a 37-25 loss sending them into the bye week reeling.

This was a full service loss featuring enough culpability on every level. The offensive line demonstrated the new ole’ technique that allowed the Lions defensive line to create its own highlight reel. They missed on converting 12 of 14 third down attempts which hasn’t been an area where they have made any improvement since the beginning of the season. The defensive line was not able to get enough pressure on Matthew Stafford who shredded them in his first game back since week one.

And there were the coaching decisions starting with only dressing two running backs and not activating guard Derrick Dockery who could have done as well as anyone at plugging the gulf up the middle where Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman were pounded at will. After Ryan Torain strained his hamstring in the third quarter, the team was forced to use Keiland Williams as the lone running back for the rest of the game.

However, the ultimate decision to pull McNabb for Grossman on their final meaningful drive is the one that threatens to linger well beyond the bye week. Mike Shanahan said that with less than 2:00 to go he decided to bring on Grossman because “he gave us the best chance to win because he was familiar with the terminology and was better able to call two plays or more plays at the line of scrimmage in the two minute drill”.

The Redskins played more like the team that traveled to Detroit in 2009 and allowed the Lions to end their 19 game losing streak. Penalties extended two Lions touchdown drives and they had a punt return for a touchdown nullified after an illegal block in the back. McNabb was sacked five times and was never able to get into a rhythm in the pocket.

Though not a thing of beauty McNabb’s first half was good as he has played all season. With Kyle Vandenbosch and Ndamakong Suh unabated to the quarterback for most the first two quarters he was sacked three times, hurried repeatedly, and drilled on nearly every one of his nine completions. But McNabb helped his cause by leading the team in rushing led them with 49 yards helping them to a 13-7 lead at halftime.

Despite all their shortcomings they still put themselves in a position to win thanks to Brandon Banks. Banks, who accounted for 271 return yards, and a 96 yard touchdown while losing another to a penalty. His touchdown gave them the lead late in the fourth quarter.

So now the Redskins enter the bye week having blown any momentum and in the midst of a full blown controversy. The fallout from this loss may have consequences that reverberate into the post season even if the team doesn’t make it. Though McNabb may publicly act otherwise it remains to be seen if there is a riff between he and Team Shanahan that may signal the demise of what began as such a promising season and bring a premature end to the McNabb era in the nation‘s capital.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/31/redskins-loss-in-detroit-sets-up-controversial-bye-week/feed/0Redskins Hope To Pass Midterm Exam Against Detroithttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/29/redskins-hope-to-pass-midterm-exam-against-detroit/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/29/redskins-hope-to-pass-midterm-exam-against-detroit/#commentsFri, 29 Oct 2010 13:33:46 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=25046By MARK F. GRAY Coaches normally try to deflect the attention surrounding point spreads heading to any game but Mike Shanahan violated that sanctity earlier this week. With the Washington Redskins a two point underdog to the Detroit Lions heading into Sunday’s matchup Shanahan actually admitted that he would “remind” them of the lack of [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

Coaches normally try to deflect the attention surrounding point spreads heading to any game but Mike Shanahan violated that sanctity earlier this week. With the Washington Redskins a two point underdog to the Detroit Lions heading into Sunday’s matchup Shanahan actually admitted that he would “remind” them of the lack of respect from the odds makers in Las Vegas.

Regardless of what the prognosticators of those games of chance say a win over the 1-5 Lions would send the Redskins into the bye week at 5-3. Considering most observers thought five wins would be the total for the entire season the week long respite would even more enjoyable knowing that they had navigated the toughest part of the schedule two games above the .500 setting them up for a stretch run to the post season.

However, this is a better Lions team than the one who beat the Redskins last year to end their historic string of futility. Detroit is the best 1-5 team in the league especially since they were robbed in the season opener by a bogus NFL rule and they had a chance to beat the New York Giants despite being reduced to their third string quarterback for the final drive in the Meadowlands.

Washington has yet to put a full game together although things are point towards a team that is coming together. The offense has been sporadic, the special teams have been inconsistent, and the defense has bent but nonetheless made enough game changing plays to win a couple of games for them. But Shanahan’s discipline and game management has kept them in every game except versus St. Louis which looms as the signature disappointment so this week stands as a referendum on how legitimate a contender they are.

According to Greg Cosell of NFL Films the Lions have the best offensive line in the NFC North. As fate would have it Washington faces Detroit after their bye week which has allowed them to get Matthew Stafford ready for his return. It will be interesting to see if the Redskins can get enough pressure on Stafford to force him into the number of mistakes that Jay Cutler made last week that sent DeAngelo Hall’s jersey to the Hall Of Fame. Conversely, against a receiver like Calvin Johnson it will be even more interesting to see if Hall can stay away from giving up the big play as was the case against the Colts’ Pierre Garcon.

The team has finally realized they have to get Albert Haynesworth on the field and have stopped trying to force him into playing nose tackle in the 3-4 and now is turning him loose as a pass rushing specialist in their 4-3 package. He delivered in his first game back with a sack and a forced fumble against the Bears but, his pressure forced Cutler into those mistakes while allowing Brian Orakpo to collect a sack as well.

With Ryan Torain emerging as the consistent rusher the offense needs, the streaky nature of Donovan McNabb has become the source of much debate. Though he doesn’t make mistakes, there are plays that have been left on the field because of passes not being delivered where receivers could get them in a position to score.

Sunday is a midterm exam for the Burgundy and Gold and a win over Detroit would be huge because it is a game that playoff teams win.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/29/redskins-hope-to-pass-midterm-exam-against-detroit/feed/0Arenas Cloud Hovers Over Wizards And Wall’s Leadershiphttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/28/arenas-cloud-hovers-over-wizards-and-walls-leadership-2/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/28/arenas-cloud-hovers-over-wizards-and-walls-leadership-2/#commentsFri, 29 Oct 2010 01:24:31 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=24961By MARK F. GRAY There is a complex shadow hovering over the Washington Wizards and he should volunteer for one of those cheesy TV razor ads. His name is Gilbert Arenas and even when clean shaven his presence has set the tone without being in the lineup to open the season. This opening honeymoon period [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

There is a complex shadow hovering over the Washington Wizards and he should volunteer for one of those cheesy TV razor ads. His name is Gilbert Arenas and even when clean shaven his presence has set the tone without being in the lineup to open the season.

This opening honeymoon period to start the year should be all about the novelty of rookie number one pick John Wall and how the young captain will handle his role being the face of the franchise. While the fascination is there it certainly has been tempered by the what ifs surrounding agent less than zero.

Wall’s first night is almost upstaged by the fact that Arenas is seeing a foot specialist in Baltimore about an ankle that will cost him at least the first two games of the season. This following the preseason that began with a fake knee injury – morphed into a groin strain – and ended with a bad ankle.

More drama!

Arenas and Wall could form one of the more dynamic guard combinations in the Association if Gilbert’s head straightens up. Wall could extend Arenas’ career and give him free reign to shoot at will. Wall’s ball pressure will make Arenas life easier by allowing him to play passing lanes which is all he did on defense in 2007 the last year he was an all star. With Wall’s speed and energy and Arenas’ ability to score it could be something special.

However, as the season opens Gilbert’s greatest asset to the Wizards is still marketing. We’re talking the kind that opens the eyes of a contending team who needs a difference maker offensively and is willing to take on the $80 million contract and the baggage that goes with it. Remember, there were takers for Ron Artest following the melee’ in Michigan and it worked out well for the Lakers last year.

If Wall is to ever grow into the face of the franchise the Wizards have to purge themselves of the Arenas nightmare before the unfathomable option becomes the only one. They need him for a stretch of 25 – 35 games from Arenas where he is healthy and demonstrates that he can still score 15 – 20 points per night in a roughly 30 minutes. Then hopefully his surgically repaired doesn’t go Goodyear blimp on him and his brain doesn‘t have a red beans and rice fart so that he is enticing to a contender. Barring that will the Stephon Marbury option – which is we’ll just pay you to stay away – become the viable outcome.

Arenas is to the Wizards what the bank crisis was to the Obama administration. He is like one of those CEO’s who was caught at the day spa after the feds cut the bailout checks. It’s a marriage that appears headed for divorce and the only question is just how nasty will it be. Poor Flip Saunders landed the golden egg but it will never be able to shine with number zero on the roster.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/28/arenas-cloud-hovers-over-wizards-and-walls-leadership-2/feed/0DeAngelo Hall Puts Big Plays Back Into Defense Against The Bearshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/25/deangelo-hall-puts-big-plays-back-into-defense-against-the-bears/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/25/deangelo-hall-puts-big-plays-back-into-defense-against-the-bears/#commentsMon, 25 Oct 2010 14:43:46 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=24242By Mark F. Gray After what was described as either a “heated” or “animated” conversation with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett last week, DeAngelo Hall put the big play back into the Washington Redskins defense in Chicago. Hall finally took command of the unit he called “his” defense with an NFL record four interceptions and the [...]]]>

By Mark F. Gray

After what was described as either a “heated” or “animated” conversation with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett last week, DeAngelo Hall put the big play back into the Washington Redskins defense in Chicago. Hall finally took command of the unit he called “his” defense with an NFL record four interceptions and the game winning touchdown to lead them to a 17-14 win and keep them within a half game of the New York Giants in the NFC east.

That Hall made history with those four interception speaks volumes about how schizophrenic Washington’s sportscenter corner can be. As was the case in the season opener against Dallas on any given Sunday he can earn a top play nomination. On others, however, he can blow assignments and give up game changing plays to opponents as was the case against the Colts the week earlier. However, in Soldier Field on Sunday Hall restored the big play factor to the Redskins defense as the offense was stifled once again.

For the second time this year Hall scored the difference making touchdown to bail out their anemic offense. Donovan McNabb owes Hall a Chicago-style deep dish pizza for salvaging this homecoming. McNabb, who was inconsistent in the face of mounting pressure all game, gave up an interception return to D. J. Moore for the Bears touchdown. Hall’s 92 yard pick six in the third quarter evened in it up for him despite two others Washington couldn’t fully capitalize on.

McNabb was schizophrenic is his own right with his 17 of 32 200 yard performance with two interceptions. In fact, McNabb turned one of Hall’s interceptions into a scoring chance for the Bears but Washington’s defense stepped up and kept them out of the end zone by stuffing them inside the red zone.

The bright spot that continues to shine for the offense is Ryan Torain who ran for 125 yards against a Chicago defense which had been tough against the run. While the offensive line continues to struggle – with the exception of rookie Trent Williams – in pass protection they have gotten much better in the zone blocking scheme which has been a key to the rushing game’s emergence. Williams has been dominant against the top pass rushers this year and forced the Bears to move Julius Peppers around so he could get pressure against the others on the offensive front.

With Hall’s four interceptions and their two fumble recoveries the burgundy and gold defense has now already eclipsed the number of takeaways they had during the entire 2009 season. With the big plays as a byproduct of their physically imposing defense, Washington’s unit continues to emerge as the engine that drives this team.

Albert Haynesworth was back in the lineup Sunday and his presence was felt. He kept Jay Cutler out of the end zone with a jarring hit at the one yard line early in the second half that led to what became a game changing fumble. In addition to a sack he also delivered a crushing block on Hall’s interception return that was inspiring as well.

It remains to be seen if the offense can become as consistent as the defense over the final two months of the season. Perhaps Mike Shanahan, a noted offensive guru, has learned from his final days in Denver that defense wins in the NFL. Thanks to Hall and Haynesworth, Washington’s defense is proving statistics are for losers as they sit at 4-3.

]]>http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/25/deangelo-hall-puts-big-plays-back-into-defense-against-the-bears/feed/0Redskins Hope To Validate Their Playoff Hopes Against The Bearshttp://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/22/redskins-hope-to-validate-their-playoff-hopes-against-the-bears/
http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2010/10/22/redskins-hope-to-validate-their-playoff-hopes-against-the-bears/#commentsFri, 22 Oct 2010 21:04:35 +0000The SportsGroovehttp://prosportsblogging.com/?p=23906By MARK F. GRAY If someone had told Mike Shanahan that his team could go into their bye week at 5-3 when the Washington Redskins opened training camp in July he probably would have shrugged it off as wishful thinking. However, with victories in their final two games before the hiatus the Redskins can set [...]]]>

By MARK F. GRAY

If someone had told Mike Shanahan that his team could go into their bye week at 5-3 when the Washington Redskins opened training camp in July he probably would have shrugged it off as wishful thinking. However, with victories in their final two games before the hiatus the Redskins can set themselves up with better than a puncher’s chance at making a post season run.

The Chicago Bears are step one in their quest to reach the milestone of winning consecutive games twice in the same season since 2007. There is no such thing as an easily winnable game for this edition of the Burgundy and Gold. However, the Bears are a favorable matchup for Washington if they can put the clamps on Chicago’s rushing attack. Last Sunday night the Indianapolis Colts capitalize on the defensive game plan to clamp down on the passing and gouged them for 177 yards rushing.

Mike Martz reluctance to make a commitment to the ground game has exposed an offensive line that is in more disarray than Washington’s. Though committed to the 3-4 scheme the Redskins 4-3 package will be something the Bears figure to have trouble with. The New York Giants left Bears quarterback Jay Cutler battered like a piñata after 12 sacks and Washington’s bookends of Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter are salivating at the though of that sitting duck under center.

Against the Bears Washington should be able to get their first consistent pass rush all afternoon this season and with their new penchant for playing physical which could make for another painful Sunday for Cutler. Martz would be well served to make running back Mike Forte a significant part of the offensive game plan to keep them from teeing off on his quarterback.

Chicago’s defense needs only to look at the way Indianapolis was able to get pressure on Donovan McNabb to feel confident that Julius Peppers could wreak havoc against rookie Trent Williams whose toe injury is making progress although he was laboring at times against the Colts. As their offensive line continues to develop the rushing attack is making strides as well. The Bears have to now consider Ryan Torain as a legitimate threat coming off the first 100 yard game of his career which could open up their passing attack.

For the first time this year “Jurassic” Joey Galloway has been replaced at the top of the depth chart by Anthony Armstrong as the youth movement on offense has made its way to the receiver position. They even worked in a deep pass to the diminutive Brandon Banks last week as they try and get more touches to potential playmakers in their lineup.

Banks could be the same kind of wildcard for the Redskins that Devin Hester is for the Bears. Banks is averaging 19.4 yards per punt return and has been flirting with making a big play over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, with Mike Sellers and Lorenzo Alexander as the catalysts, the Redskins are yielding only 17.4 yards per kickoff return but they had better fix the problems with the punt coverage unit that is ranked 24th and faces the challenge of trying to contain Hester.

The next eight quarters will answer a lot about how the rest of this season will play in Washington. Nothing will come easy for this team but the two NFC north opponents give them a chance to make up for the losses to the AFC south teams that have them trying to keep pace with the Giants and Eagles in the NFC East.